Newcomer Lakafia Included In France Team

Biarritz Olympique back rower Raphaël Lakafia is the only Test newcomer named in the France team for Saturday's Rugby World Cup warm-up match against Ireland in Bordeaux.

France head coach Marc Lièvremont has picked a strong starting line-up and replacements bench for this weekend's encounter at Stade Chaban Delmas.

The selected French side includes five players who started the Six Nations win over Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in February.

They are Damien Traille, who played in the centre that day, François Trinh-Duc, Julien Pierre, captain Thierry Dusautoir and Imanol Harinordoquy.

Harinordoquy's Biarritz Olympique club-mate Raphaël Lakafia will make his senior debut for France in the back row.

The 22-year-old made his Heineken Cup debut last season and wore the number 8 jersey in Biarritz's 9-6 pool defeat to Ulster at Ravenhill last January.

A number of players who have been sidelined by injury will get a chance to impress the management.

Starting hooker Dimitri Szarzewski has not played since January due to an Achilles problem, while February was the last time centre Maxime Mermoz saw competitive action.

Traille, who has recovered from a heel injury, will start in the back-three along with Vincent Clerc who had surgery on his right knee a fortnight ago.

Clerc's Toulouse colleague Romain Millo-Chluski slots into the second row for his first Test appearance since last November's loss to Australia.

Trinh-Duc will be partnered at half-back by Dimitri Yachvili. The experienced Biarritz clubman will be making just his fifth start for France in three years.

The Ireland team to play France will be announced by head coach Declan Kidney on Thursday afternoon. There will be live coverage of the match on RTÉ Two, and we will have our usual live text commentary here on IrishRugby.ie.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt praised the squad's 'immense character' following the 27-24 GUINNESS Series success against Australia. Meanwhile, captain Rory Best reflects on 'an emotional day' as he made his 100th appearance for his country.

Irish Rugby TV brings you a behind the scenes look at Ireland's final GUINNESS Series game against Australia. Joe Schmidt's men marked captain Rory Best's 100th cap with a superb 27-24 victory over the Wallabies.

Saturday's GUINNESS Series clash with Australia marks Michael Kearney's last game as Ireland team manager. We spoke to him about five memorable years in the role. Watch out for a couple of special cameos!

We're ready to create something legendary. A showcase for rugby nations old and new. A tournament that will grow the game globally, promote the values, spirit and ethos of rugby and will capture the world's imagination. #Ireland2023 - Liam Neeson gives voice to Ireland's bid to host Rugby World Cup 2023.

Tickets are now on sale for the first ever Women's November International Series to be held in the UCD Bowl. Kids go free with any adult tickets. Ireland will face world champions England, top ranked Canada and the Black Ferns of New Zealand.

Tournament Director Garrett Tubridy sets the scene for an exciting weekend of rugby at UCD where 16 Women's Sevens teams will battle it out at for one qualifying spot for the Rio Olympics. Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie/sevens.

Tadhg Furlong reflects on a disappointing day for Ireland against South Africa. However, he will take positives from his first Test start and be ready to build for the final match of the series in Port Elizabeth.

Paddy Jackson is preparing for Ireland's second Test against South Africa on Saturday (kick-off 5pm local time/4pm Irish time). The Ulster out-half has been checking out Ellis Park in advance of the match.